Democrats reach out to Rell on deficit impasse

HARTFORD, Conn. Gov. M. Jodi Rell vowed to veto a $535 million package that passed the Senate early Saturday morning, but without enough votes to overturn her veto. The House of Representatives canceled plans to try and pass the same bill, given Rell's veto promise.

Democratic House and Senate leaders met privately Monday to discuss their next step.

The state faces a budget deficit of as much as $500 million during the current fiscal year.

Rell, who is visiting family in Colorado, said Monday she is using her executive powers to impose nearly $157 million in savings from her deficit-cutting plan and the Democrats' proposal. She says more needs to be done.